WORKING AS A TEAM you and your doctor
So how do you go about getting that second opinion? Just go with the flow…the flow chart below, that is. It will walk you through the steps to becoming a more informed and more satisfied patient.
*
FIRST VISIT
• Were all of your questions answered?
• Do you feel comfortable with the diagnosis and treatment plan?
?
• Do your homework. Read up on your diagnosis, and write down your questions.
NO
• Follow up with your doc. Ask if you can come in to discuss your concerns.
• Read your doctor’s recommendations back to him or her to make sure you’re on the same page. Ask about other options.
• When you schedule your follow-up visit, ask for more time with the doctor so you don’t feel rushed.
NO
• Ask your primary care physician (PCP) to recommend a doctor for a second opinion. Describe your concerns to your PCP so he or she can match you with a better fit.
• Get a copy of your records and tests for the second opinion visit.
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22 HEALTHYADVICE.COM answers?
Satisfied with
FOLLOW- UP VISIT
? YES
SECOND OPINION VISIT
Same treatment plan suggested?
NO If there’s a difference of opinion:
• Ask yourself which treatment you feel most comfortable with.
• Talk to your primary care physician about both of the treatment plans and determine which will work best for you.
?
REMOTE SECOND OPINION Even if you live in the middle of nowhere, you can get a second opinion from some of the country’s best doctors—without having to travel. A few top-ranked hospitals, including the Cleveland Clinic, and Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General and Brigham & Women’s Hos- pitals, now offer remote second opinions via the Internet. For $500 to $600, you can submit your diagnosis and recom- mended treatment plan to the hospital and have it reviewed by top specialists in the field. The hospital then provides its own detailed medical recommendations to you and your local physician.
YES
{ {
Proceed to Treatment
Proceed to Treatment
Go with the doctor you’re most comfortable with. Make sure he or she has done the procedure several times before.
YES {
Proceed to Treatment
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